How To Use An Electric Wheelchair – Smart Wheelchair Guide

Why Should You Use an Electric Wheelchair?

Switching from a normal wheelchair to an electric wheel chair is a good and recommended change that should be made by disabled people. The most obvious benefit one gains from switching to an electric wheelchair is that they are easy and convenient. While electric wheelchairs use electric motors, the person on the chair still has control over it. Some electric wheelchairs can be controlled by the hands and others can even be controlled by the mouth or other useful body parts depending on the model.

There are thousands of wheelchair companies which make and or sell electric wheelchairs as people of all ages and sizes will require using a wheelchair at some point in their lives. Because of this, these companies produce electric wheelchairs that offer a variety of different styles for each electric wheelchair model. Hence people of all sizes should be able to find an electric wheelchair that suits them appropriately.

How To Use An Electric Wheelchair For Long Time.

When you are getting into the electric wheelchair, first make sure that the power is turned off. The leg-rest or footrest should be removed or swung out of the way. Move to the wheelchair using your most preferred moving method. After settling in comfortably, the leg-rest can now be re-positioned down and you can place your feet comfortably. Finally, fasten the lap-belt well.

When you are getting out the electric wheelchair, first ensure that the power is turned off. Remove or swing the leg-rest out of the way. Unfasten the lap-belt. Move using your recommended moving method. Finally make sure that the wheelchair remains charging overnight and that it is out of the way so that no one trips on it.

Care and Maintenance.

Always refer to the routine maintenance section of your wheelchair’s manual so as to get more information regarding on how to care and maintain your electric wheelchair. The manual should be reviewed carefully and referred to often so as to get tips on how to maintain that particular electric wheelchair. Understanding the basic parts of an electric wheelchair and how they work will also help greatly as problems will become easier to acknowledge before they escalate and require extensive repairs.

How To Use Electric Wheelchair Power and Motor

First off, always make sure that you have fastened your lap belt when operating an electric wheelchair. The most basic way of driving an electric wheelchair is to point the joystick controller to the direction which you want to head. When driving the electric wheelchair, always ensure that both feet are on the leg-rest so as to prevent them from getting trapped under the wheels. Most electric wheelchairs normally come with a button that adjusts the speed of your wheelchair. Your occupational therapist will advise you on the safest speed that is suitable for you.

Using The Electric Wheelchair in Free Wheel Mode

Most electric wheelchairs are also fitted with two levers so as to disengage the motor. When the motor is disengaged, the electric wheelchair can now be pushed accordingly. It is important to note that the electric wheelchair is normally heavy hence it is not advisable to push it over long distances.

When using free wheel mode, one should be careful and follow the below instructions carefully:

When you are disengaging the drive, endure that you turn both of the levers to point outwards.

When re-engaging the drive, make sure that both levers are turned parallel to the wheels.

Push the chair forward slightly so as to endure that both of the motors are locked fully in the drive position.

After putting the electric wheelchair in free mode, you will need to manually apply the wheel brakes.

When the electric wheelchair is in the engaged mode, always make sure that the power is off before moving in or out of the chair.

Ensure that the electric wheelchair is always in the engaged mode when it is occupied unless there is an attendant close by who can push he electric wheelchair.

Conclusion.

Electric wheelchairs are definitely a significant improvement from the traditional wheelchairs. However, it may take some time to get used to it and adjusting to using a joystick instead of hands to move the wheelchair forward or having someone else push you around can be a bit cumbersome at first. But once you get the hang of it, you will soon find it to be much more beneficial as you will no longer need to use a lot of energy with your hands to move about or rely on someone else constantly. Also, electric wheelchairs are more expensive than traditional wheelchairs, but considering the benefits, they are definitely worth the investment.

Comments

My mother is at the stage where she needs a wheelchair but refuses to because she is so independent and inpatient. I think that if we get her a power wheelchair she might change her mind. We would just have to get used to the changes that come with a wheelchair, but we are ready to help her!

Thanks so much for this! It seems like most people who are expected to use a wheelchair are also just expected to know HOW to use one. These are really solid, straightforward tips for anyone considering a wheelchair. Plus, it’s also reassuring to hear that there are so many accommodations made for people who need them. Thanks again!

Top Electric Wheelchair

WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS POST
It's always hard finding details about what wheelchairs to buy and where to get the best electric chairs. You'll always see electric chairs for sale on many sites, but … [Read More...]

Since we are in the times of high technology improvement, it is not surprising that there are lots of gadgets and devices being developed for comfort and indulgence of people. One of the great devices … [Read More...]

Foldawheel PW-999UL is a power wheelchair designed by Wheelchair88, one of the best producers of durable power wheelchairs.The chair is only 45 lbs and is fitted with a high capacity soft pack Polymer … [Read More...]

EZ Lite Cruiser HD Deluxe DX12 Personal Mobility Kit- A Revolutionary Design to Mobilize People
The most popular mobility aid product manufacturer and dealer the EZ lite cruiser have come up with a … [Read More...]

Top Medical Scooters

About Drive Medical Scooters. A medical scooter is a kind of powered vehicle used as a mobility aid. It scooter usually has a seat above several wheels, an area to rest your feet and a steering handle in front. The Drive Medical Scooter is customized to largely reduce the need to use manual strength when […]

Physical disability, temporary or permanent leaves you completely dependent on others, with the advancement in the technology the devices have been reformed so that everyone may enjoy the freedom of easily moving around on their own. The Medical Scooter is another development in this area after electric wheelchairs. It looks more like a scooter with […]

What is an Electric wheelchair? Electric wheel chair is a wheelchair that is moved by means of an electric motor. The electric wheelchairs on Amazon gives you greater freedom for those people who are unable to move. These devices allow you to travel long distance outdoors or easily move from one room to the next inside your home […]